Ingredients

2tbspolive oil

3garlic clovespeeled and minced

¼tspred pepper flakescrushed

4cupscherry tomatoesor grape tomatoes

2tbspbalsamic vinegar

1tpsbrown sugar(optional)

fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.  Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Add in the tomatoes and stir to combine with the garlic.  Cover the pan and continue to cook, stopping to stir the mixture occasionally, until all of the tomatoes have burst and released their juices to form a sauce, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Continue to simmer the mixture uncovered for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.  The spread will thicken as soon as it starts to cool.

Reduce heat to low.  Add in the balsamic, plus any sweetener and/or herbs, and stir until combined.  Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

Serve warm with your favorite crusty bread.